This marks the second U.S. Embassy attack in less than 6 months. On September 11, 2012, the U.S. Embassy in Libya was attacked, leaving 4 Americans dead.

The attack, adds to an already tense situation in the Middle East. As conditions continue to deteriorate in Syria, Turkey has become increasingly alarmed, as well as vocal against Syrian President, Bashar Hafez al-Assad. Most recently, Turkey has put into operation several Patriot missiles under NATO command.